Asylum

You may be eligible for asylum if you entered the United States seeking protection because of fear or prosecution due to your Race, Religion, Nationality, Membership in A Particular Social Group, or Political Opinion. You may only apply for asylum if you are arriving or already physically present in the United States. To apply for asylum in the United States, you may ask a Department of Homeland Security Officer at any port of entry for asylum. If you are already in the United States you may apply for asylum regardless of your immigration status.

Commonly Asked Questions

You must apply for asylum within one year of your last arrival to the United States, unless you can demonstrate that there are changed circumstances that materially affect your eligibility for asylum, or extraordinary circumstances directly related to your failure to file within the one year. It is important that the application is filed within a reasonable amount of time.

Once you have applied for asylum, an Asylum Interview will be scheduled where an Asylum Officer will take your oath where you will promise to tell the truth during the interview, and the Officer will initiate a line of questions regarding your application. The information you share with the Asylum Officer will be confidential, and used to determine if you are a credible applicant who has applied in good faith, and meet the requirements for asylum. We highly recommend attending an asylum interview with a competent immigration attorney.

If you are granted asylum, you may petition to bring your spouse and children to the United States so long as you file the petition within two years of being granted asylum, unless there are humanitarian reasons to excuse this deadline.

It is important to keep in mind that you will be barred from applying for asylum if you previously applied for asylum, and were denied by the Immigration Judge or Board of Immigration Appeals.

Be Truthful

In order to win your asylum case, you will have to go through an asylum interview. If you are telling the truth, you should have no trouble. Be sure to answer all questions honestly and with details.

Know your application

Be sure that your application is accurate, and it includes your address, phone number,family members, and all other biographical information.

Attorney Help

In considering the filing your application for it is strongly recommended that you seek the advice of an immigration attorney. Hiring an attorney knowledgeable about asylum can make a difference in your case. Remember you only have one chance to file for asylum.

All people are equal before the law. A good attorney is what makes a difference.